College baseball player killed in weekend crash

A college baseball player was killed in a weekend crash in the suburbs. Nineteen-year-old Kevin Edwards, of Matteson, was driving a car late Saturday night when it crashed into a wall and overturned along Interstate 57 in Calumet Park. Edwards was a starting pitcher for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Edwards was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School and a sophomore in college. He was visiting his family for Thanksgiving.

Edwards was a scholar, poet and athlete, the joy of his mother's life.

"He was the light of my life. When he walked in the room, his smile would just fill the room. He was just fun to be with. I loved him. But more importantly, I liked my son. He was so sweet," said Kim Edwards, mother.

Edwards, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on an athletic scholarship, was home for Thanksgiving. He died Sunday morning after his vehicle crashed into a wall on I-57 near 127th Street Saturday night. The death was ruled accidental.

"He was mad because he wanted a 4.0 and he was only going to get a 3.9. We told him that was ok," said Kim Edwards.

He started on the school's baseball team. Baseball was his passion. He played most of his life and traveled the world competing.

"He traveled all over the country. He played against Japan. He played in Puerto Rico. He had experience with a lot of adults. He loved it. It was his passion," Kim Edwards said.

Edwards attended Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights. He also played baseball there. He is remembered as an exceptional student and a role model for others.

"He was an amazing person with a contagious smile. His life, even though it was cut short, gave true meaning to the words class and respect," said Danielle DeGraas, Marian High School.

"He modeled what I felt what it was to be a true student-athlete," said Mike Rodewald, Marian High School.

Pictures line his family's home in Matteson. Some show his play fullness, his seriousness, his zest for life and his spirit. His mother just learned he will be given his degree posthumously.

"He was loved," said Kim Edwards.

Kim Edwards says her son never met a stranger he didn't like; people just gravitated towards him.